The goodwill, work-in-progress and certain assets of historic Scottish law firm McClure Solicitors have been acquired by legal practice Jones Whyte, following the appointment of FRP as administrators.
Established in 1853 in Greenock, McClure Solicitors specialised in private client work, providing services such wills, estate planning, wealth planning, trusts, conveyancing and inheritance planning.
The firm had expanded in recent years by opening two additional satellite offices in Scotland and 11 satellite offices in England.
However, the pandemic had a significant impact on the operating model, resulting in the firm entering administration earlier this month.
The transaction, for an undisclosed sum, sees 84 existing partners and staff transferring to Glasgow-based Jones Whyte with immediate effect.
They will join current teams working at home and between the main offices in Glasgow and Greenock.
However, the former McClure Solicitors' 13 satellite offices will close.
Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, commented: “We are sad to hear that McClure Solicitors has gone into administration - it represents the loss of a highly regarded legal name.
“There has been ongoing, significant change within the legal services sector in recent years, with a challenging economic environment compounded by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However the legal profession has previously proven itself to be resilient and responsive to change, and this transfer of business represents a major expansion for Jones Whyte - we will work with both firms and provide advice and any support that our members may need.”
Jones Whyte was founded in 2013 by Glasgow-based solicitors Ross Jones and Greg Whyte and focuses on both personal and corporate clients.
Whyte, joint managing partner, said: “We very much welcome our new colleagues to the enlarged business and look forward to working with them to ensure all McClure Solicitors clients continue to receive excellent service.
“We have ambitious plans to grow Jones Whyte, and this deal is a major step in that direction.”
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